Systematic review of the effects of ginseng on cardiovascular risk factors

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#blood-glucose #blood-pressure #cardiovascular-diseases #cholesterol #humans

Systematic review of the effects of ginseng on cardiovascular risk factors

Buettner et al., 2006 | Ann Pharmacother | Systematic Review

Citation

Buettner Catherine, Yeh Gloria Y, ... Kaptchuk Ted J. Systematic review of the effects of ginseng on cardiovascular risk factors. Ann Pharmacother. 2006-Jan;40(1):83-95

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the evidence for the efficacy of ginseng (Panax spp.) on cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and blood glucose, and to summarize reported cardiovascular adverse events. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, AMED, BIOSIS, CAB, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials databases through July 2005 and performed hand searches of bibliographies. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: Short- or long-term, randomized, controlled trials and nonrandomized studies published in English were included. Data were extracted in a standardized manner, and 2 independent investigators assessed methodologic quality of the studies. Thirty-four studies were identified with results for blood pressure, lipids, and/or blood glucose. Due to heterogeneity of the studies, we were unable to perform a meta-analysis. Data on cardiovascular adverse events were extracted from events reported in identified studies and from case reports. DATA SYNTHESIS: The majority of studies were short term. Ginseng may slightly decrease blood pressure compared with placebo (range 0-4%). We found mixed results for an effect on lipids, with 5 of 9 studies showing improvement in one or more lipid parameters compared with baseline (range 7-44%). We identified several studies showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose, but overall studies were inconsistent. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence does not support the use of ginseng to treat cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies suggest a small reduction in blood pressure. Despite some evidence showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose and improves lipid profiles, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials evaluating its effects are lacking.

Key Findings

Current evidence does not support the use of ginseng to treat cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies suggest a small reduction in blood pressure. Despite some evidence showing that ginseng lowers blood glucose and improves lipid profiles, well-designed, randomized, controlled trials evaluating its effects are lacking.

Outcomes Measured

  • blood pressure

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 9
Age Range See abstract
Condition blood pressure

MeSH Terms

  • Blood Glucose
  • Blood Pressure
  • Cardiovascular Diseases
  • Cholesterol
  • Humans
  • Panax
  • Plant Extracts
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Risk Factors
  • Treatment Outcome

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: ginseng

Provenance

  • PMID: 16332943
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09